Actually, Hinduism has extensive written works, and one of the secrets of its survival for so long is the fact that those works are read and revered by many, and continues to inspire millions. This fact is not in sync with classical, Roman-esque, Greek or Arab polytheism.
Homer and Hesiod were the heart of a classical education, as you can gather by reading the Christian work, "The city of God," there was a comprehensive world view that Christianity had to contend against.